Mid-week football
It’s a quick turn-around for Melbourne City as they get back to A-League action on Tuesday night when they face Perth Glory at nib Stadium.
Just three days after their 2-1 come-from-behind win over Wellington Phoenix, City travel to Western Australia to face the seventh-placed Glory.
City then head to Central Coast Stadium on Sunday 14 January to face the Mariners before returning home to face Adelaide United at AAMI Park on Sunday 21 January, kick-off 7:00pm. It’s a busy period but points are still a must.
Damaging Daniel
Substituted onto the field in the 53rd minute, Daniel Arzani proved to be the super-sub on Saturday, sparking City to a much needed win against the Phoenix.
An eight-minute blitz by the 19-year-old saw him provide two assists for City forward Ross McCormack and ensure all three-points would remain in Melbourne.
Arzani’s second-half spell showcased the youngster’s incredible ability to attack the defence and whip in a dangerous ball.
The attacker’s natural footballing ability paired with his fearless approach to the game gives you more than one reason to tune into the match on Tuesday night.
10 from 13
Ross McCormack moved to outright second in the race for the Hyundai A-League Golden Boot following his match-winning brace against the Phoenix on Sunday.
‘Ross the Boss’ tapped home the equaliser from the back post, before his diving header secured the win for City.
The Scotsman’s brace increases his tally to 10 goals in 13 games for the season, four goals behind Sydney FC’s Bobo.
In his first spell in Australia, McCormack has done extremely well to acclimatise to football in the A-League and overcome a niggling knee injury – which is reflected in his impressive goals per game ratio.
There is absolutely no doubt that the clinical forward will be looking to increase his goal tally when he heads to Perth for the first time.
The chase continues
Following three consecutive games without a result, Warren Joyce’s side bounced back into the top-three with a 2-1 win over the Phoenix.
City currently sits on 22 points – two points clear of the fourth placed Adelaide United, and fifth placed Melbourne Victory.
A win against the Glory in Perth and Joyce’s side secures third place for another week, keeping the chasing pack waiting with the possibility of making ground on the second placed Newcastle Jets.
With the business end of the season fast approaching, Every point will count.
Tough road ahead
A huge challenge presents itself this week, but as does an opportunity for City to make a statement to the competition.
Between last Sunday’s win over the Phoenix and this Sunday’s clash against the Central Coast Mariners, City will have played three games in eight days, including trips to Perth and Gosford.
The team’s depth will be tested, as will be their ability to recover. But if there is ever a moment for this squad to make a statement, it is now.
